The Grenada gazette. (Grenada, Miss.) 1885-18??, 1887-08-20
THE FARMERS ALLIANCE.
Al Essay Read Before u iinooln County
Alliance, by j. A. y. Hart.

ciet,t az we'll as one Of the most hon
orable occupations followed by man,
taking ita oRigin by the command of
the Creator Of the universe, when He
r0El man to 60 forth and I'LL the
earth, by the sweat Of his brow,
should lie eat bread.
It is also a very important occupa-
ton, being the main resource by
which the inhabitants Of the earth
are fed, furnishing also as it does a
large portion of the commerce Of ths
world.
While there are many other rea-
sons, we think these two facts stated
are sufficient TO command the en-
dorsement and consideration of all
men, but from various causes the
farmers are not prosperous. and we
are more or less financially embar-
rassed. Viewing, as we do, the
results accomplished by other classes
of society through strict organization,
and believing, as we do, In the adage,
sIn union there is strength, hence
the necessity for farm ers to organize
that they may alleviate their troubles
and place themselves upon higher
plane. agriculturalIy, socially and
financially. And in order that we
may obtain the object sought for, l
would recommend that we do, by
resparch and investigation, adopt
the most practicable and thorough
system of cultivation, that we may
obtain the greatest results with the
smallest outlay,
And in order to do this we ought to
understand our business; that is, we
ought to know what ever species Of
rrnp costs us in dollars and cents,
and what it is worth after we pro-
duce it: that we might decrease the
prod uction Of that which was unprof-
table. and increase the product
which paid dividend; and for the
reason that a person following II bus
mess knowing nothing about it could
scarcely expect to achieve success.
AS another means to get out of our
troubles, / would recommend the
most rigid rules of economy, and to
Illustrate what can be done in this
direction, will state some facts that
if any one doubts, can be verified by
any of my neighbors. Owing to the
overilows and extreme wet season
last year, (the most of my neighbors
being bottom planters) made very
short crops. it being oae of the worst
crop years ! ever knew but notwith-
standing that fact the amount of time
trade Of the neighborhood has been
reduced SO per cent. this year under
unfavOrable circumstances. We
ought to at least reduce it 7jper cent.
mex. year under favorable circum-
stances. That is to say, my time
trade heretofore has been from one
hundred to two hundred dollars.
This year ii is fifty dollars. Follow
ing up the same system one more
year and under favorable circum-
stances, we would oviate the me-
ceSsity Of time trade altogether. 1t
is claimed also thft We pay from
from twenty to twenty-five to one
hundred per cent. which is extor-
tionate and ought not to be allowed.
suppose we could effect time
sale vt eight or ten per cent; you can
st once see THAT IL would have the
effect Of reducing our accounts and of
giving US q greater amount Of goods
for the same amount Of money, which
isa two-fold beueiit.
As there are many aud various
ways through which benefit will
come through organization too nu-
nler0t,s to mention, we will pass on
to some Legislative questions that
demand our attention, as much OF
our future prosperity depends upon
the educational facilities Of OUT Coun-
try, and viewing as | do from my
standpoint the present school system
~ fraud and imposition, therefore
We should strive to have - more
thorough and practical system in
trodueed. | will submit the following
plan which I think would make the
public schools much more efficient:
|, Abolish the offices Of State ana
counyt Superintendents, and sppro-
PIRATE thR amount thus paid out to
the common school fund.
2, LIT eaoh child draw its fund for
syeEy day 1t actually attends.
Y het the teacher certify to his
assoUnt, then be endorsed BY the
trustees. ratified by the Board OF
Supervisors, and issue warrant 'or
same on county treasurer.
Az 3 further aid to the public
schhool, + would suggest that. we
hsvs = County Board Of Contractors.